Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has lauded his striker Evidence Makgopa for his crucial contribution to the team's win over Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
The forward replaced Tshegofatso Mabasa with seven minutes to go, and the Bafana Bafana international responded with two late goals to help Bucs claim a 3-0 win. Monnapule Saleng had scored the first goal for the Soweto giants.
Coach Jose Riveiro was left impressed with the attitude of the forward, insisting substitutes have been delivering effectively when called to action.
“I’m happy with the contribution from the bench, one more time, it was crucial in Botswana, crucial against Chippa to come back after they scored, it was crucial in the second game against Jwaneng [Galaxy],” the tactician stated after the game.
Makgopa was exceptionally good
“Today [Makgopa] was exceptionally good, like everybody who is not in the starting eleven, it’s difficult but the people who are coming from the bench, they are showing they are willing to die for the team even if they get a minute.
“That is very good news for all of us and people are waiting for their opportunities, and Evidence, Karim Kimvuidi, Sibisi, everyone involved, they perform the level we need in certain moments of the game.
“There are many days that, as much as you dominate and control, you can find yourself in the last stages of the match 0-0 or the game not clearly done. The contribution from the players coming, five, 10, 15, 25 minutes, in modern football is extremely, extremely important,” Riveiro concluded.
Pirates will play Richards Bay in their next league outing.
